Overview
In this role you will design and deliver robust test architectures for complex aerospace and defence systems, aligning with MOD standards and customer requirements. You’ll bridge design, integration and customers to shape scalable test solutions across the product lifecycle. The role offers impact on UK defence capability, with opportunities to drive automation, digital twins and model-based testing. Work with cross-functional teams in a flexible, security-conscious environment and progress through advanced training and professional development.
Pay / Benefits
- Hybrid & flexible working options
- Professional development support
- Chartership and advanced training
- Challenging defence programmes
- Opportunity to shape next-generation test systems
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards
- Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support
- Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures
- Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments
- Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts
- Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices
- Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches
Key requirements
- Proven experience as a Test Systems Architect / Test Systems Engineer
- Strong background in test system design and architecture
- Experience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into test
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customers
- Demonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle – from concept through to in-service support
- Stakeholder management
- Effective communication
- Mentoring and leadership
- Test system design and architecture
- Test automation (desirable)
- Model-based testing approaches (MBT)
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Engineer / Test Design Engineer in Cheadle employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
